"The more than ten things recorded in this document are all secrets of the Great Zhou, so ordinary people will never know them. I wonder what you feel after reading it?" Wu Zhao asked lightly.
The entire Zhenguan Hall was silent. Beneath Wu Zhao's light-hearted words, there was a shocking storm. Even though those in the Zhenguan Hall were the best among the billions of players in the world, they would never say a word lightly!
After a long while, Senluo Yaksha said, "This is shocking! Under the prosperous era of our Great Zhou, there is such a hidden crisis. It is really unbelievable!"
Zhou Yi hesitated for a moment and said, "Among the countries in the Central Plains, our Great Zhou is located in the north. If one day, whether the Turks or Khitans march south, our Great Zhou will be the first to bear the brunt. Fortunately, in the south, whether it is Dali, Song, Ming, or Qing, they are unable to invade! Now is the time to recuperate and actively prepare for war, and alienate the relationship between Khitan and Turks. There can't be two tigers in one mountain. Sooner or later, there will be a bloody battle between the two tribes! This is our Great Zhou's opportunity!"
Zhou Yi has always considered himself a player, but when he talked about the situation outside the Great Wall, it subtly touched the patriotic feeling in his heart, and he spoke passionately and eloquently!
"That's right!" Song Wen said, "First of all, we need to consolidate the border. Take the border of Liangzhou as an example. It is only more than 400 miles from north to south. There are Turks in the north and Tubo in the south. If they invade, they will kill us at the city wall, making the people miserable. But if we can build a fortress on both sides and station heavy troops, we can not only occupy the strategic location of the border, but also expand the state, making it difficult for foreign enemies to advance. On the other hand, we can enable the garrison troops to open up farmland in their spare time to make production flourish. When the people are prosperous and the military food reserves are sufficient, we can talk about using force against the enemy. The enemy cannot attack me, so I can attack the enemy. Your Majesty is wise."
Wu Zhao smiled and said, "You two are right. However, the Khitan have repeatedly invaded my borders and damaged my prestige. Three days ago, I received a report that the Liao Emperor Yelu Hongji appointed the invincible commander Sun Wanrong as his commander. He has prepared his troops and is ready to fight at any time. His intention to march south is obvious. What should I do now?"
Young Master Xiaoyan chuckled and said, "Isn't it the best opportunity for Your Majesty to personally lead the expedition to Xixia? First, to recapture the Hexi Corridor, the entire defense line can be advanced, and the power of the terrain can be used to clamp down on Tubo and Khitan, making them dare not move lightly! Second, if you win this battle, it can demonstrate Your Majesty's divine power and deter foreign races!"
Senluo Yaksha said, "The national policy of personally conquering Xixia should have been formulated long ago, but Your Majesty has not taken any action for a long time. Is there anything you cannot explain?"
"Alas!" Wu Zhao sighed and pondered for a moment. Suddenly, her dragon eyes shone brightly. She looked at Zhou Yi first, then moved her gaze to the other three people. She said decisively: "When the Japanese invaders Xu Ba and the other two were powerful outside the Great Wall, they established an unparalleled reputation. Today, I want to use the four of you as generals and lead 3,000 elite cavalry to attack the enemy's rear. Take the heads of Sun Wanrong and Yelu Hongji, the two thieves, for me. Do you dare?"
Senluo Yaksha said without hesitation: "I will devote all my loyalty and wisdom to this mission!"
Song Wen showed a resolute look on his face, and said coldly: "No matter which direction the situation develops, within a year, I will be able to bring the heads of Yelu Hongji and Sun Wanrong back to see His Majesty to sacrifice to the dead souls of Xiashigu."
Wu Zhao nodded in satisfaction and turned her gaze to Zhou Yi and Gongzi Xiaoyan who were standing aside with hesitant expressions.
For Zhou Yi, it is the dream of every man to follow Wei Huo's example and gallop across the desert, chase the enemy and conquer the wolf in the north! The plan of leading troops to conquer Xixia, going deep behind enemy lines, beheading generals and seizing flags made Zhou Yi excited! But Zhou Yi came to Shendu to steal the Heshi Bi, so how could he agree to this plan
While Zhou Yi was hesitating, Prince Xiaoyan asked, "Are Wu Youyi and Wu Yizong still in charge in the north?"
Wu Zhao's face turned pale, and she glared at Young Master Xiaoyan. Her demonic aura fluctuated, instantly causing the atmosphere in the Zhenguan Palace to freeze. After a while, she said, "When a general is away from home, he may not obey military orders. But this time you are going to the battle on my behalf, just as if I were personally on the battlefield. I will issue a secret decree for this. If anyone dares not to obey your orders, including the King of Liang, I will execute him."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to be loyal and wise and will not let you down!" Young Master Xiaoyan suddenly bowed.
Seeing this, Zhou Yi also said, "I obey your order!"
Imperial City Pavilion.
After leaving the Zhenguan Hall, Zhou Yi grabbed Master Xiaoyan and took them to Huangchengxuan, the best restaurant in Luoyang, to discuss the matter in detail.
As soon as the two of them sat down, Zhou Yi asked anxiously: "What should we do? What should we do? Now that Wu Zhao has chosen us and wants us to go to war on behalf of the emperor, don't forget that we are here to steal the Heshi Bi!"
"Why are you panicking?" Young Master Xiaoyan rolled his eyes at Zhou Yi and said, "If you had not agreed to Wu Zhao just now, would you have expected to walk out of the Zhenguan Palace alive?"
Zhou Yi said: "Then what should we do?"
"Isn't this easy?" Young Master Xiaoyan spread his hands and said, "Now we are going to fight for the emperor to recruit talented generals and enter and leave the palace. Isn't it easier? If we seize the Heshi Bi, we can cooperate with the outside world. Why not do it?"
"I know that!" Zhou Yi frowned and said, "But what about Wu Zhao's plan? If it fails, wouldn't it let foreign tribes gain the advantage? This time I have no choice but to help Xixia. If I give... "
"Stop! Stop!" Young Master Xiaoyan interrupted Zhou Yi and said, "I never knew you were such a patriotic young man. Don't worry! If we leave, there will be others to take over our mission. Moreover, after we stole the Heshi Bi, it will be difficult for us to gain a foothold in the Central Plains. I am planning to go to the frontier to avoid the limelight. If it is appropriate, I can check and balance the foreign races. What do you think?"
"That's great!" Zhou Yi was immediately delighted, slapping his hands on the table and shouting, "That's perfect! Reserve one for me!"
"Drink, drink! You pay for today and I'll make you a bankrupt, you evil man!"
"... ..."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..
In Liqi Pavilion.
Ren Ya sat alone at the desk, holding a brush, showing the charming posture of a little girl.
"I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk! Hehehe!"
Thinking back to the past when I met Zhou Yi, the hero saving the beauty in front of Tianjin Bridge, the overwhelming skill at the World Taoist Conference, and the stunning glimpse in the palace... ... .
Ren Ya's cheeks were flushed with shame, and she didn't know where to hide.
“Dang! Dang! Dang!”
Ren Ya had a "ghost in her heart" and was so frightened that she fell to her knees, her body trembling.
The central door opened wide, and Wu Zhao came out from behind the screen with the sound of "Your Majesty has arrived". Without even glancing at the two of them, she walked straight to the table and sat down. Four eunuchs leaned over and held up two baskets with phoenix patterns, and placed the baskets on the left and right ends of the table with almost dancing steps. Then they bowed and retreated, kneeling every three steps and knocking their heads on the ground every nine steps until they disappeared behind the screen. The door closed.
Wu Zhao groaned for a moment, then said softly: "Ren Ya, please stand up and come here, let me take a look at you."
Ren Ya was so frightened that she trembled again and struggled to stand up, staggering.
Wu Zhao said softly: "Raise your head."
Ren Ya raised her head with all her strength, and when her eyes met Wu Zhao's, she was immediately frightened and pale.
Wu Zhao casually picked up the silk paper that Ren Ya had just written on from the desk. She saw the name Qianbei Buzui written densely in beautiful and lively small characters. After reading it, Wu Zhao suddenly laughed and said, "Do you like Qianbei Buzui?"
Ren Ya didn't answer, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head a little lower.
Wu Zhao showed an unfathomable smile and said calmly: "If I had a way to teach you how to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, and stay by your side forever?" (To be continued)